Tampa Bay Rays officials now state they “support and expect” the City of St. Petersburg to complete repairs to the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field in time for Opening Day of the 2026 season.

In a letter to City Administrator Robert Gerdes, Rays President Matthew Silverman outlined the organization’s revised stance, emphasizing the importance of the city fulfilling its obligation to fund a portion of the estimated $56 million in repairs. The stadium’s roof was significantly damaged by Hurricane Milton, prompting urgent discussions about restoration.

Silverman noted that city officials had previously indicated the possibility of completing the repairs by Opening Day 2026. He stressed that the Rays now expect this timeline to be met, warning that delays beyond the start of the season would create “massive logistical and revenue challenges” for the team.

“It is therefore critical that the rebuild start in earnest as soon as possible, that a realistic completion schedule be developed quickly, and that the City diligently pursue the reconstruction as required by the Use Agreement,” Silverman wrote.

The call for swift action may signal renewed momentum for a stadium deal that had faced uncertainty. Some city and county officials were initially hesitant to approve the repairs or move forward with the broader stadium redevelopment plan, given that Tropicana Field is slated for eventual demolition.

Concerns about timing were heightened last month when Rays co-president Brian Auld expressed doubts about the city’s ability to finish the repairs by Opening Day 2026. He also hinted that the team might reconsider its commitment to building a new ballpark.

In his letter, Silverman urged city leaders to hold weekly meetings with the Rays and an independent advisor from Major League Baseball to monitor progress and facilitate key decisions.

The letter underscores the Rays’ urgency in resolving the matter, as the team seeks a seamless transition into the next chapter of its home field’s development.

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(Image credit: Julio Cortez/AP)